From wheatgrass shots to celery juice, green beverages have long been a staple among wellness junkies. The latest green drink to make its way into the spotlight: chlorophyll water.
Mandy Moore recently told MindBodyGreen she sips on the green water to improve her gut health; Reese Witherspoon revealed to Harper’s Bazaar UK that she adds liquid chlorophyll to her drinks to fight breakouts; and other influencers, like Lauryn Evarts from The Skinny Confidential, spike their water with the green stuff, too.
Fans say the green elixir can do pretty much anything—but I have questions. So many questions.
First of all, what the heck is chlorophyll?
Think back to your middle school science class and you’ll remember that chlorophyll is the molecule that gives plants their green color. Its main job: to convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. It’s a true plant powerhouse.
As you can probably guess, green plant foods—like spinach, broccoli, collard greens, wheatgrass, and spirulina algae—are all rich in chlorophyll. (Yes, you’re getting chlorophyll when you eat your veggies.)
And chlorophyll offers health benefits?
According to its fans, there’s nothing that chlorophyll can’t do. But the science isn’t quite so cut and dry.
1. Chlorophyll has anti-microbial properties.
Since research shows that chlorophyll has some anti-microbial properties (meaning it guards against potentially dangerous microorganisms), it’s long been used to help heal wounds. However, most studies have only focused on the benefits of chlorophyll-containing ointments applied to the skin, not chlorophyll water that you drink.
2. It could support your skin’s health.
Research on the stuff’s other skin-boosting benefits also focuses on using chlorophyll on the skin itself.
One pilot study, for example, found topical chlorophyll helped improve mild to moderate acne and minimize the appearance of pores. Another small study, meanwhile, found that chlorophyll gel could help reduce the signs of sun exposure and aging in skin.
3. The chlorophyll-weight loss link is sketchy, though.
Another of chlorophyll water’s supposed claims to fame is that it can help you lose weight—and some early research suggests there might be something to it.
One super-tiny study of 20 women found that chlorophyll supplementation might decrease feelings of hunger. However, dietitian Alex Turoff, RD, isn’t sold.
“Claims about chlorophyll and weight loss are taken from one small study, which is definitely not enough to say chlorophyll definitively results in weight loss,” she says. Plus, participants in that study were also asked to exercise more…
4. Chlorophyll may have some anti-cancer benefits.
Some research suggests chlorophyll can help prevent cancer in animals and may help reduce risk of liver cancer in high-risk populations. However, according to Oregon State University, it’s not clear if chlorophyll would have the same effect in lower-risk people.
Gotcha. But does chlorophyll water have any negative side effects?
Though chlorophyll water may not be some miracle drink, there’s no harm in trying it. Just be prepared for the fact that it might give your poop a weird green tint, says Turoff.
Plus, not everyone loves the grass-like taste. “It’s hard enough for people to drink enough water, so having them put something that doesn’t taste great in it may just deter them from hydrating,” Turoff says.
Another caveat to consider: When you sip chlorophyll water (or use chlorophyll drops), you’re not actually drinking the whole green molecule.
“Chlorophyll water contains the compound chlorophyllin, a copper compound derived from chlorophyll,” says Turoff. Why? Actual chlorophyll can’t dissolve in water.
Still want to try chlorophyll water? Check out these three options.
Since chlorophyll water is a new trend, make sure to pick a reputable bottle. “The best thing someone can do to ensure they’re getting a quality product is to read real customer reviews and go with trustworthy brands,” says Turoff.
Here are three to try:
Pressed Juicery Chlorophyll H2Opressedjuicery.comSHOP NOW
It’s no surprise that this popular juicery has a chlorophyll water option. As the name suggests, Chlorophyll H2O is just that: liquid chlorophyll plus water.
Chlorophyll Waterchlorophyllwater.comSHOP NOW
In addition to chlorophyll, this one is fortified with vitamins A, B12, C, and D. The bottles are 100 percent recyclable and BPA-free. Plus, for every case sold, Chlorophyll Water plants a tree.
Jus By Julie Chlorophyll Booster Shotjusbyjulie.com$5.00SHOP NOW
If you’d rather get it over with quick, try this two-ounce chlorophyll booster shot. It combines chlorophyll with lemon and peppermint oil to boost the flavor.
Ultimately, chlorophyll water isn’t a green magic bullet.
While chlorophyll may be a powerhouse nutrient in plants, those benefits may not translate when you take the compound out of plants and turn it into drinkable form.
“As it stands, very little scientific evidence supports the claim that drinking chlorophyll water does anything more than drinking regular water,” says Turoff.
Bottom line: If you enjoy the flavor of chlorophyll water, go for it. If you don’t, there’s not enough science behind the benefits to justify forcing it.
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